The European Union condemns Wednesday’s approval by the Israeli High Planning Committee of plans for advancing over 3,426 housing units, further expanding illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank.

The EU urges Israel to reverse these decisions. The EU reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, as they threaten the two-state solution. Furthermore, the expansion of settlements is completely inconsistent with ongoing efforts to reduce tensions, which is even more important ahead of the upcoming religious festivities of Ramadan, Pessah and Easter.

The EU’s position remains unchanged: it will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties.